Meet Sara Gärdegård—a graphic designer, community builder, and the creator behind Upptäck Jämtland, a project uncovering the beauty of Jämtland. In this episode, Sara dives into her mission to preserve Jämska, an endangered local language, through an innovative game she designed. From her early struggles with mountain life to rediscovering the charm of Åre, Sara shares the stories that shaped her journey.
We talk about the power of connecting with your roots, the surprising joys of small-town living, and what it means to create something meaningful for your community. This conversation is packed with inspiration, culture, and a fresh perspective on life in the mountains. Tune in to explore the hidden gems of Jämtland with Sara as your guide.
Featured Quotes:
“I didn’t understand why people loved living here until I started seeing Åre through fresh eyes.”
“Learning about Jämska made me realize how much of Jämtland’s history is woven into its language—it’s something worth saving.”
“Jämska is spoken by around 30,000 people, mostly the older generation. It’s not just a language—it’s part of this region’s identity.”
“When I created Upptäck Jämtland, it was about more than a website. It was a way for people to discover the beauty and stories of this place.”
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Discovering Åre: From Skeptic to Believer
(00:08:05) Becoming a Jämtland Ambassador
(00:16:11) The Birth of Upptäck Jämtland
(00:24:17) Preserving Jämska: A Language Worth Saving
(00:32:22) Life in Åre: Adventures and Community
(00:40:28) Mapping Jämtland: Challenges and Insights
(00:48:35) Creativity Meets Connection: Sara’s Design Journey
(00:56:39) Mountain Reflections: Balancing Work and Nature
(01:04:44) Reviving Tradition in Modern Times
(01:12:52) Closing Thoughts: Sharing Jämtland’s Stories
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Watch and Listen: This episode is also available on YouTube and YouTube Music.
